Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
2005 Lincoln AviatorRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 51 owner complaints for the 2005 Lincoln Aviator. Most complaints involve structure (28) and power train (12). The EPA rates it 13 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
13mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
51
Top: structure
Fuel cost / yr
$5,950est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2005 Lincoln Aviator as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
51 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2005 – Nov 2020
- Structure28
- Power train12
- Air bags3
- Steering3
- Suspension2
- Wheels2
- Vehicle speed control2
- Visibility2
- Engine1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Structure
28 reports
“A 6 INCH CRACK DEVELOPED AT REAR CENTER TAILGATE BODY PANEL MADE OUT OF PLASTIC BELOW THE REAR WINDOW. THERE HAD BEEN REPORTS THAT THE REAR WINDOW COULD FALL OUT AND INTERNAL TAILGATE COMPONENTS COULD BE DAMAGED DUE TO WATER ENTRY FROM THE CRACK. THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM FROM MY RESEARCH.”
Power train
12 reports1 crash
“OWNER OF 2005 LINCOLN AVIATOR. I WAS NOT ABLE TO GET THE GEAR SHIFT OUT OF PARK. I HAD THE AVIATOR TOWED TO A FAMILY MEMBER'S AUTOMOTIVE GARAGE AND WAS TOLD THAT I WILL NEED TO HAVE THE ENTIRE GEAR SHIFT REPLACED. UPON DOING SOME RESEARCH, IT SEEMS THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM IN THIS YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL. I HAVE READ ENDLESS TESTIMONIES FROM OTHER VEHICLE OWNERS WITH THE EXACT DISPUTE. THE PART AND LABOR WILL COST ME APPROXIMATELY $1100.00 AT MY FAMILY'S GARAGE, ONE CAN ONLY GUESS THE DOLLAR AMOUNT WILL DOUBLE AT THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP. MY CAR IS DRIVEABLE, HOWEVER, WHEN IN PARK, I WILL HAVE TO PUT MY EMERGENCY BRAKE ON. I WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE GEAR SHIFT, IF BUMPED, MAY MOVE OUT OF PARK EVEN WITHOUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. I AM APPALLED THAT FORD/LINCOLN MOTOR COMPANY HAS NOT TAKEN RESPONSIBILITY OF THE DEFECTED MECHANISM. IT IS UNACCEPTABLE AND RAISES MANY QUESTIONS ON HOW IMPORTANT VEHICLE SAFETY IS TO FORD/LINCOLN MOTOR COMPANY, NOT TO MENTION A TOTAL INCONVENIENCE FINANCIALLY! THIS IS MY FOURTH VEHICLE FROM FORD/LINCOLN MOTOR COMPANY AND I HIGHLY DOUBT I WILL PURCHASE ANOTHER BASED ON THE COMPANY'S LACK IN ADDRESSING THE MATTER. I AM A MOTHER…”
Air bags
3 reports1 crash
“DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITH NO IMPACT OF ANY KIND. CAR WAS STARTED AND AIR BAG DEPLOYED.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Engines
- 4.6L 8-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic 5-spd
- Drive
- Rear-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aviator 2WD Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 | 17 | 13 | $5,950 | 684 |
| Aviator 4WD Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 11 | 16 | 13 | $5,950 | 684 |
- 13mpg comb.
- 13mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2005 Lincoln Aviator as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 9, 2026Vehicle 1405
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2005 Aviator questions
How many recalls does the 2005 Lincoln Aviator have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 9, 2026.
What are the most common 2005 Lincoln Aviator problems?
Owners filed 51 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are structure (28), power train (12), air bags (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2005 Lincoln Aviator get?
The EPA rates the 2005 Lincoln Aviator at 13 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 9, 2026